The Senior Citizens Administration

The Senior Citizens Administration views all older adults as entitled to full, meaningful lives that require diverse and personalized responses, adapted to their changing needs and desires throughout the complex journey of aging—one that brings both challenges and unique opportunities.

The Administration focuses on the development and provision of services within the community and in residential frameworks. It works to promote the quality of life and well-being of Israel’s senior citizens in accordance with their functional status. The Administration upholds their dignity and status as equal partners in society, in line with the values of human dignity and liberty enshrined in the Israeli Declaration of Independence.

In light of increasing life expectancy and population aging, the Administration is committed to providing current services while also planning for the future. Its goal is to address the national challenge of successful aging by improving quality of life, offering comprehensive welfare services, enhancing social and community belonging, and creating meaning through engaging activities that are valuable to both participants and their communities.

Main Units

The Administration includes the following main units alongside numerous services designed to meet the needs of all eligible older adults:

• Senior Department for Community Services
• Senior Division for Housing & Residential Frameworks Services
• Division for Aging & Policy Planning
• Planning and Budgeting Unit

Target Populations

• Senior Citizens in supportive housing facilities
• Caregiving family members
• Holocaust survivors
• Senior Citizens at risk
• Senior Citizens in the community (all functioning levels)

Core Objectives

The Administration’s work is guided by three overarching goals, which form the backbone of its strategy and programs:

• Belonging and Meaning
• Functional Preservation and Improvement
• Prevention of Risk Situations

These objectives are derived from Government Decision No. 127 (July 2021) on promoting optimal aging in Israel and are embedded in all of the Administration’s programs and services.

Guiding Principles

• Aging in Place: Supporting older adults to remain in their homes and communities, maintaining strong ties to their families and surroundings, with a comprehensive system of support services.
• Person-Centered Approach: Tailoring interventions to the unique needs, preferences, values, and circumstances of each individual.
• Optimal Aging: Focusing on three key dimensions of healthy aging—physical health, meaningful engagement, and financial security.
• Meaning and Belonging: Fostering a deep sense of purpose and social connection through strengthened social networks, community participation, and the creation of inclusive, supportive environments.

Legal Framework

• Social Work Regulations: The comprehensive regulatory framework issued by the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, outlining the legal basis for welfare services in Israel.
• Government Decision No. 150 (June 2015): Strategic preparation for population aging as part of Israel's socioeconomic outlook.
• Government Decision No. 127 (July 2021): Establishment of national indicators for successful aging.

Key Tasks of the Administration

• Promoting meaningful, dignified, and well-supported lives for older adults in Israel.
• Enhancing the safety, health, family ties, and social networks of older adults.
• Pursuing service excellence and improving the public image of older adults.
• Advancing internal and cross-sector collaboration to improve service accessibility and continuity.
• Delivering tailored services to meet the diverse needs of welfare-dependent populations.
• Supporting the development of strong community-based services and integrated care systems.

The Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs of the State of Israel invites international counterparts and organizations to engage in dialogue, exchange knowledge, and explore collaboration. Together, we can advance best practices, innovative models, and policies that improve the lives of welfare populations around the world.